3D Printing Technology

FDM

With Fuse Deposition Modeling, plastic is heated and deposited layer by layer to create your final object, like a computer-controlled hot glue gun. FDM is ideal for making objects for form study or are early in the design process. You will benefit from the cost and time savings for product development.

Polyjet

Polyjet technology works like a 2D inkjet printer. It sprays a layer of polymer that is set with an ultraviolet light. It's capable of a very high resolution and can use multiple materials. Colour options and rubber-like materials are available.

Powder-based

Powder-based printing puts down a layer of powder then sprays a binding agent to build your object. It is capable of full colour printing. This process provides the most realistic prints. It's used to show more details or to show engineering models in full colour.

Our 3D printing equipment

Objet500 Connex3 from Stratasys

Use a variety of materials and multiple colours.

TPH® is the first in Canada to run the Objet 500 Connex3, which uses a variety of materials with a range of properties from hard plastics to soft rubber-like materials. It is capable of printing in up to three colours or materials at the same time. It’s great for industrial designers or engineers who aim to create functional prototypes and prints that may require the multi-material option as well as a high amount of detail. Learn more here.

Hundreds of composite materials can be manufactured, including:

Digital ABS

Rubber-like materials

Vibrant blended colours in rigid opaque

Translucent coloured tints

Polypropylene-like materials with improved thermal resistance

Build volume: 490 × 390 × 200 mm (19.3 × 15.4 × 7.9 in.)

Printing Sample

(Click to enlarge)

These glasses were printed in multiple colours in functional materials with transparencies to show what the finished product might look and feel like.

ProJet 660Pro from 3D Systems

For full CMYK colour printing.

The ProJet660 is a powder-based printer that is capable of printing in the full CMYK colour spectrum. It uses a texture map associated with the 3D file to introduce the colour information during the printing process. These printers are suited for full colour 3D objects, including 3D scans of people. The material is strong and can be sanded, clear coated, or threaded to accept a screw or bolt. This technology is often used by architects, engineers, animators, and product designers. See more information here.

Build size: 254 x 381 x 203 mm (10 x 15 x 8 in.)

Build speed: 1.1 inches/hour

Full, four channel CMYK, photo realistic colour

Printing Sample

(Click to enlarge)

This model shows how different components can be printed in a variety of colour all at the same time for better visualization.

Dimension 1200es SST from Stratasys

When strength is more important than colour.

The Dimension FDM printer runs exclusively on ABS plastic, which is the same material that LEGO is made from. It can print in different colours, but only one at a time. These printers are ideal for strong prints that are reliable and when colour isn’t a priority. This technology is ideal for designers, engineers, and architects that want to explore function, form, and fit. Click here for more information.

Build size: 254 x 254 x 305 mm (10 x 10 x 12 in.)

Layer thickness: 0.33 mm (0.013 in.) or 0.254 mm (0.010 in.)

Printing Sample

(Click to enlarge)

This model shows how different components are combined into one print to demonstrate fit and function during the design process.